OLBH receives $20,000 from KDPH

RUSSELL, Ky. — The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) Breast Cancer Research and Education Trust Fund has awarded a $20,000 grant to provide for the breast health needs of women in Bon Secours Kentucky Health System’s (BSKHS) service area, according to reports from Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital (OLBH).

The grant monies, received by the Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital (OLBH) Foundation, will provide for free mammograms, diagnostic testing and educational materials for women living in Kentucky who qualify. Earlier this year, a $27,500 KDPH Division of Women’s Health Grant was awarded to support the OLBH Van Ministry, which provides non-emergency van service to medical appointments for those who cannot afford transportation or who do not have access to it.

Beth Wilson, breast coordinator at the OLBH Women’s Center, said grants form KDPH have been instrumental eradicating barriers for breast care.

“The two grants from KDPH really work well together to eliminate barriers to breast care, whether those barriers are financial or concerning transportation,” Wilson said. “At OLBH we work with local partners such as health departments, physicians and senior centers to identify those hard to reach individuals who are at risk and in need of breast cancer education and mammography services.”

Kevin Compton, OLBH communications specialist, said transportation and financial barriers have been removed as a result of the grants.

“This news release concerns Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital (OLBH) receiving a $20,000 grant from the Kentucky Department for Public Health to provide free mammograms,” Compton said. “Earlier this year, the Kentucky Department for Public Health provided a grant to OLBH for transportation needs. Between the two grants, transportation and/or financial barriers have been eliminated for women in need of mammography services.”

For more information, or to determine eligibility for breast services through the grant, contact the OLBH Women’s Center at 606- 836-PINK. For information concerning BSKHS or OLBH, visit bonsecours.com.